Ready to Level up Your Career?  Here's How to
​               Successfully Navigate Professional Development
                    by David Dixon

Professional development is one of those things we all worry about - after all, concerns and anxieties about careers are common preoccupations. The best way to ease your concerns and stay on top of your career goals is to create a professional development plan. Want to learn more? FUNEL Business Management Group shares essential advice below.
 
Assessing Your Skills 
Are you looking to take your career to the next level? Assessing your skills can be a great way to figure out what you need to do to get there. Here are a few tips to help you assess your skills and improve your career.
 

• Identify your strengths and weaknesses: The first step in assessing your skills is identifying your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you determine what you are good at and what areas you need to work on. Take an honest look at your abilities and try to be as objective as possible.
• Set goals: Once you’ve identified your strengths and weaknesses, set goals to help you improve in the areas where you need to. Make sure these goals are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely (SMART).
• Develop your skills: After setting goals, developing the skills necessary to reach them is essential. This may involve seeking additional training or certifications, taking classes, or getting a mentor. Whatever path you choose, ensure you’re taking steps to improve your skills.
• Network and seek opportunities: According to TopResume, networking is essential for advancing your career - thus, try to use professional networking events and social media to connect with others in your field. Also, seek out opportunities to show off your skills. This may involve taking on a new project at work or volunteering to do something outside your job.

 
Starting Your Own Business 
For many individuals, starting their own business is the ultimate way to achieve career goals. After all, entrepreneurship has many benefits, such as working on your own timeline and deciding your own strategies. If you’re considering starting your own business, check out this guide by BusinessNewsDaily on the critical specifics to set up first. For example, writing a business plan and forming an LLC are top priorities. Forming an LLC offers benefits such as tax advantages and increased flexibility. You can avoid hefty lawyers fees by filing yourself or using a formation service - however, be sure to research different options and providers by reading reviews to determine the best formation service for your needs.
 
Going Back To School 
According to Forbes, returning to school is an excellent way to improve your skills, earning potential, and experience. It can also come in handy at your current job position and if you’re planning to launch a business. For example, when you earn a degree in accounting, trade, or management, you’re investing in learning skills to help your business flourish. In addition, earning your bachelor of education online is an excellent way to run your business while still committing to a school.
 
Putting A Stellar CV Together 
An exceptional CV will be your best friend in your professional development plan. After all, this is the easiest way to showcase your skills, career experiences, and academic background to prospective employers or clients. Doing so is easy as there are many easy-to-use free CV online CV builder tools out there to simplify the job. Using such a tool, you can choose from a library of pre-designed templates and add your own copy, images, and colors.
 
Investing in your professional development will always offer you a great ROI. Therefore always be sure to prioritize your development plan - whether by going back to school, crafting the perfect CV, or starting your own business. Happy learning!
 
Want to learn more about leveling up your business game? FUNEL Business Management Group is here to help! From growth strategy to organizational management, we can help you with it all. Click here to learn more today!